Bala Town - 29.11.25 - Match Report

Bala Town 2–2 Cardiff Met FC
(JD Cymru Premier)

Cardiff Met set off early on Saturday morning, looking to build on their superb back-to-back results against champions TNS as they travelled to a wet and windy Maes Tegid to take on Bala Town.

Met started brightly and matched Bala’s physicality in the early exchanges, but it was the hosts who struck first. An in-swinging corner from Hall caused problems at the near post, and Met goalkeeper Sam Seagar misjudged the delivery, diverting the ball into his own net.

The Archers responded immediately, lifting their intensity and pressing higher up the pitch. Skipper CJ Craven rose highest in midfield to win a crucial header, nodding the ball into the path of in-form striker Jasper Payne. Payne powered past the Bala centre-half and delivered a composed left-footed square ball across the six-yard box, where Lewis Rees arrived at the back post to finish first time and level the scoring.

Moments later, Met turned the game on its head. Once again the move originated from a Bala corner, but this time Met defended it superbly and broke with pace. Craven released Payne, who drove forward on the counter. Centre-back Matthew Chubb sprinted the length of the pitch to overlap, and Payne laid the ball into his path. Chubb, still at full tilt, unleashed a stunning first-time right-footed strike across goal into the far top corner- a sensational finish from the goal-scoring defender.

Met went into the break soaked to the skin but deservedly ahead, leading 2–1.

The Archers came out of the blocks quickly in the second half, creating a handful of early opportunities but failing to convert. In the 52nd minute, another Bala set piece proved costly as Owen rose highest at the front post to head home from a corner and bring the hosts level.

Just eight minutes later, Bala midfielder Ibrahim was shown a second yellow card for a late tackle in midfield, reducing the home side to ten men. With half an hour to play and a numerical advantage, Met pushed hard for a winner. Manager Ryan Jenkins introduced attacking firepower from the bench, finishing the match with six forwards on the pitch as Met threw everything at it.

The Archers carved out several excellent chances, including a powerful header from Mwandwe and a volley from Reynolds, but neither found the back of the net. Despite their pressure, Met were forced to settle for a 2–2 draw.

Cardiff Met now turn their attention to Friday night’s home fixture against Llanelli Town, where they will look to return to winning ways and extend their impressive run of form as the battle for the top six intensifies.